should i have botox in my 20s?

In a recent survey from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 64 percent of members reported they have seen a dramatic increase in patients under age 30 request facial cosmetic surgery and injectable treatments. Among the most popular non-invasive facial treatments is Botox, which softens the appearance of wrinkles and lines and produces almost instantaneous results.

So is having Botox in your 20s a good idea? Dr. Erwin Bulan, a top Northern New Jersey plastic surgeon, explains the answer in detail. 

ABOUT PREVENTATIVE BOTOX

Botox is FDA approved to treat dynamic wrinkles, or wrinkles that are formed by repeated facial muscle movement (e.g., frowning, squinting and furrowing the brows). These wrinkles usually surface on a person’s face when they reach their 40s or 50s. However, there are some individuals whose dynamic wrinkles are noticeable even in their 20s or 30s and could therefore benefit from Botox.

Botox is also an appealing option among younger patients who are relatively wrinkle-free. Preventative Botox refers to the concept of injecting the product when a person is young to prevent wrinkles from surfacing. While there is no way to completely stop wrinkles from appearing, Botox can certainly soften their appearance before they become too obvious. Early use of Botox will prevent the creasing of the skin which, in turn, prevents eventual lines at rest when we are older. With regular use, the muscles targeted are continually paralyzed and atrophy from lack of use. This means that with regular injections, the results of Botox may last longer, so patients can go a bit longer in between appointments as they get older.

Early use of Botox can also help younger patients avoid surgical facial rejuvenation procedures (e.g., facelift, eyelid surgery) that are more invasive and costly in the future. In addition, by understanding the facial muscles of expression, Botox can be used in an artistic manner to help elevate or create shape to the eyebrows.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BOTOX

While there are certainly benefits to having Botox in one’s 20s or 30s, it is not for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to have Botox or any plastic surgery procedure is a personal one and should only be made after meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Bulan. The Northern New Jersey doctor can evaluate your unique aesthetic needs and goals to determine the best course of treatment.

To book an appointment with Dr. Bulan, please call (973) 467-9744 today.